Han Luo ’s nature dictated that he would never go snooping around such a suspicious scene.

  If something clearly seemed like a trap, walking into it was just asking for trouble. Besides, what if it was set up specifically for him?

  Maybe someone knew he had been raking in demon cores and was waiting for him to take the bait, just to rob him blind.

  However—

  This time—

  He stuck to his principles. Whatever happens, happens. None of it had anything to do with him.

  He had already gained plenty of demon cores along the way—contentment meant living longer. After double-checking his traps and ensuring everything was in place, Han Luo didn’t take a single step toward the glowing area.

  He returned to his safehouse, waiting patiently for Li Jun and the others to fight their way up and complete the trial.

  But—

  Just because he ignored the glowing light didn’t mean others would.

  Suddenly—

  “Awoooooo—!”

  A series of sharp, aggressive wolf howls erupted from the glowing area.

  Then, a feminine battle cry followed. Someone was fighting the wolf king, and the battle sounded intense.

  "See? I knew it. Definitely a trap."

  Han Luo reaffirmed his beliefs.

  "These old bastards from Luo Xian Sect are never up to any good. Good thing I’m cautious—otherwise, I’d be losing all my demon cores right about now."

  “Boom! Boom! Boom!”

  The battle at the glowing spot was getting fiercer.

  But—

  It was also getting closer to his safehouse. Han Luo frowned.

  "The hell? I was just minding my own business—why are they bringing the fight over here?"

  Just as he was grumbling—

  “Tap! Tap!”

  A light, agile figure landed on the tree above him. It was a young woman, tall and slender, with flaming red hair cascading over her shoulders.

  She wore a red-feathered battle armor and held a flaming spear nearly as tall as herself. Her aura was fierce, and her stance was unwavering—like a battle-hardened warrior goddess. Her sharp round eyes gleamed like lightning as she surveyed the area.

  After confirming no one was around,

  She reached into her robes and pulled out a small, palm-sized red jade box. Carefully, she buried it in the dirt beneath her feet.

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  Then—

  She immediately disappeared into the forest, leaving no trace.

  Not long after she left—

  A vicious, blood-soaked wind rushed through the air.

  The Wolf King arrived.

  It was as large as a bull, its crimson eyes gleaming with bloodthirsty intent, its entire body radiating murderous energy.

  A Third-Rank Wolf King.

  Holy sh*t.

  Han Luo ’s heart leapt into his throat. Even his breath was stuck—he didn’t dare let out a single sound.

  What the hell?! Why is a Third-Rank Wolf King here?!

  This was way over the line. If this thing joined the fight at the base of the mountain, everyone down there would die.

  Even Li Jun would get instantly shredded.

  Thankfully—

  Han Luo had come prepared. He had ten concealment talismans stuck to his body. Every trace of his presence was erased. Even a Third-Rank Wolf King wouldn’t be able to detect him as long as he didn’t move.

  The Wolf King was clearly tracking the red-haired girl.

  It sniffed the air—

  But it didn’t seem to notice the buried jade box. Instead, it locked onto the girl’s lingering scent and took off after her. Han Luo didn’t move a muscle.

  He remained in his safehouse, unmoving, fully trusting his own craftsmanship. After all, he had spent three years perfecting his concealment techniques.

  Even if it was a Seventh-Rank Wolf King, it wouldn’t find him.

  Yes.

  He was that confident.

  Not long after—

  Sounds of battle erupted in the distance.

  The Wolf King had caught up with the red-haired girl. They were now fighting somewhere far away.

  So...

  Han Luo ’s gaze fell on the spot where the jade box was buried. Something that someone risked their life to hide.

  Something that even a Third-Rank Wolf King was chasing after. It had to be valuable. Better than a Second-Rank Demon Core, at least.

  After ensuring that no one was around, He quietly left his safehouse. Putting on gloves, he carefully dug up the jade box. The box itself was exquisite—crafted from fine porcelain, marked with a crimson lotus emblem.

  Clearly, it belonged to a woman.

  But caution was always necessary. Han Luo retrieved a low-grade formation disk from his backpack. A First-Grade Concealment Formation.

  Stronger than a regular concealment talisman, this formation could completely erase all traces of movement and presence within a five-meter radius. Once the formation was activated, he placed the red jade box inside.

  Standing outside the formation, he used a wooden stick to carefully pry open the box.

  It opened easily.

  No traps. No sudden bursts of energy.

  Inside,

  A broken, ancient white jade piece rested quietly. At first glance, it looked completely ordinary. Something you might find in a cheap street market stall. It had no energy fluctuations.

  No special aura. It looked... useless.

  But if someone was willing to risk their life for it, It had to be worth something. Without hesitation, Han Luo stored it inside his own white jade box—a container that blocked spiritual traces, just like the red one.

  Then—

  He glanced at the now-empty red jade box.

  Something about this situation felt wrong.

  This girl had nearly died to protect this broken jade piece.

  And he just took it.

  It felt...Exciting.

  No—wait. It felt wrong.

  Too unprofessional.

  But if she left it right in front of him… wouldn’t it be disrespectful not to take it?

  ...Yeah.

  That made sense.

  So—

  Han Luo pulled out a steamed bun from his backpack.

  "Round-faced girl, listen up."

  He placed the bun inside the empty box.

  "This might not seem valuable to others, but to me, it means everything. Growing up, my family was dirt poor. We ate nothing but coarse grains. One bite of white steamed bun? I’d trade being the Jade Emperor for it.

  So, if I ever feel bad about something, I just eat one and feel better.

  Eat it. Learn from this. Next time, keep your valuables on you—hiding them is just asking to get robbed."

  Feeling deeply moved by his own wisdom, Han Luo stared at the bun for a moment.

  ...And then took it back.

  Wait.

  If she tracked him down using the steamed bun’s scent, he was screwed.

  Better not risk it.

  Instead, he buried the empty box back into the ground, erased all traces, and moved his safehouse.

  Moments later—

  "BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"

  Explosions erupted in the distance. Li Jun’s group had entered the final stretch of battle. The fighting was intense—blood, dust, and chaos filled the air.

  And at the mountain’s entrance. A storm of wind howled violently.

  A Third-Rank Wolf King stood at the gateway— Blocking their only path forward.

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